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Les Bleues were just able to beat the Irish to land themselves with a place in the semi-finals, despite trailing behind the Shamrocks for the majority of the game.
It was horrible conditions in Exeter as the two nations clashed as the heavens opened and the wind swept through. Tensions were high, as the Irish went into their first quarterfinal since 2014.
A strong Irish first half
Ireland started the match piling over the line in the fourth minute, but it was quickly disallowed with a knock-on from Wafer. However, they made it good with an unquestionable try just four minutes later from Djougang, as her pace secured Ireland their first points.
The weather proved a tough opponent for O’Brien’s kick, which caught the wind and drifted - an early indicator of what was to follow with such dreary, windy and wet conditions.
The wind continued to be an uncontrollable factor for the Shamrocks, as although it was behind them in the first half, earning them extra momentum, this also ended up in several kicks going too long - an important effect given that Ireland’s plan seemed to revolve around keeping France within their half with a constant barrage of kicks.
Despite their early try, Ireland struggled to get much momentum in their offensive, but the French side were equally not making any impact.
After Les Bleues went down to 14 players with Bernadou’s yellow card in the 24th minute, the Shamrocks finally were able to kick into gear and score their second try, thanks to Flood’s quick reactions.
France were not up to their usual standard, as world number four’s with eight victories over Ireland under their belt. However, after half an hour they finally started to make some moves with Bourdon-Sansus pushing to shift her team into an offensive mindset.
As half time approached, Ireland seemed to get to grips with the wind, as O’Brien’s late penalty kick to the left of the posts went through, extending Ireland’s lead to a comfortable 13 - 0. They continued the pressure as the extra time clock ticked to 46 minutes, going through a huge 33 phases.
The Shamrocks had further reason to celebrate in the break as France’s captain Feleu was dealt a yellow card for collapsing the maul in the 41st minute of the first half, meaning that Les Bleues would be a woman down for a quarter of a crucial second half.
Second half painted royal blue
Ireland changed tactics in the second half, moving away from relying on kicking as they now faced into the wind. France took advantage of this shifted advantage, managing to score their first points of the match with Bourgeois kicking a penalty try.
This seemed to be the spark that Les Bleues needed, as they started to make a real offensive impact for the first time in the match.
After a relentless 15 minutes of effort, the Irish were a woman down after Moore’s yellow card - and the French side finally earned their first try as Escudero forced her way over and Bourgeois finessed a difficult conversion.
If Ireland owned the first half, then the second half was undeniably French as Grisez ran 50 metres, dodged two defenders and scored in the 67th minute! An incredible try for an incredible moment as Les Bleues took the lead for the first time, 15 - 13.
Ireland ramped up the pressure for the last ten minutes of an exhilarating match, but it was not enough as France managed to squeeze in another three points with a penalty kick from Bourgeois in the 76th minute, bringing the score to 18 -13.
Electric final moments
It really looked like Ireland might have done enough to score the try they needed to win the match in extra time, as two lineouts got them just five metres from the line. However, France were able to force the Shamrocks to spill the ball, securing their victory after a truly heart-stopping game.
France will now face the winners of the England vs Scotland match in the semi-finals in Bristol next Saturday.
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